With the War Of The Ring turnbased campaign also receiving some minor though effective tweaks, this is one add-on pack you should snap up like a slavering Warg. Amazing what's possible when consoles don't get in the way, isn't it?

While there's still a decent driving model underneath, it's hard to see RACE appealing to fans who've driven Simbin's other titles, and so, this time at least, the hare comes out on top. [Jan 2007, p.87]

The dialogue is disappointing, being a case of exhausting the options rather than picking the right thing to say. [Apr 2007, p.68]

The problem is that most of the downloadable content is aimed at specific character types: a pure combat character probably won't give a stuff about spell tomes or a Wizard's tower, while the average mage will find the powerful new quest items totally useless. You're far better off just choosing the content you want online, and this works out a hell of a lot cheaper too, even if you buy everything (£12).

I normally hate banging on about graphics - but the stark beauty of TM should be clear to one and all. Every time I shut my eyes I see those shimmering blue skies and blinding flashes of colour - and, yes kids, that's because it's been burnt into my retinas. TrackMania United is officially, totally great.

A massive improvement on "Cossacks" and its kin, and it's a real pleasure to play. [Nov 2006, p.86]

Tactical yet still accessible. [Jan 2007, p.60]

It's just a shame that the blocky menu system and overly generous built-in aim-assist smack of console pandering, because otherwise, this is a very competent piece of programming.

It has nothing to offer that we haven't already seen in a thousand other hack-and-slash adventures. [Feb 2007, p.82]

The game manages to blend just the right amounts of combat, NPC interaction, character development, exploration, and epic save-the-world storytelling into the sort of potion that your typical beardie will gulp down with wild-eyed abandon. [Dec 2006, p.94]

A massive pile of crap. [Feb 2007, p.80]

Having just reached HOMMV's end-game, I'd rather have waited a bit longer and received a bit more. [Jan 2007, p.83]

While the slightly glitched real-time battles may not be all that much different from Rome's, and naval battles and new multiplayer options are still conspicuous by their absence, there's simply no way that any selfrespecting strategy fan can spend this Christmas doing anything other than rampaging across the world on a whirlwind of medieval conquest.

As attractive as it is bolstered with new content - everyone from hardcore trade-skillers to constant raiders to newbies are catered for. [Feb 2007, p.83]

Double Agent comes close to earning a Classic award, let down only by the fact that we wanted to see them run a bit further with the trust system idea.

If your machine is up to the task, then don't hesitate to snap up what is undoubtedly the best indie game we've ever had the pleasure to paw. [Feb 2007, p.86]

One of the most challenging and addictive city-builders we've played this year. [Jan 2007, p.70]

Deal or No Deal is a monstrosity - an unforgivable mess of arse-lint with less value than your average free flash game, as it has no real "game" to speak of beyond the arbitrary picking of boxes. Giving this piece of heinous excrement anything but a snide, cruel lambasting would be too generous. [Mar 2008, p.79]

A near-perfect sequel. [Jan 2007, p.78]

Fans of the series will still find it entertaining, and newcomers will have plenty to see and do, but there's simply not enough new content to recommend it over "NFS: Most Wanted." [Jan 2007, p.90]

An adequate and traditional (read 'hugely dated') point-and-click, and there's some charm to the puzzles and story. [Jan 2007, p.76]

Absolutely gorgeous to look at. [Jan 2007, p.66]

Phantasy Star Universe is nothing more than the laggy, repetitive tranvestite cousin of "Zelda." Avoid this like a Paris-Hilton-borne strain of bird flu. [Feb 2007, p.78]

If the game suffers, it's from over-explanation, the occasional lapse in the combat, and the repetitive nature of the environmental weaponry. But I was kept entertained all the way through, and I've never felt so directy responsible for chopping off a goblin's arm. [Dec 2006, p.70]

Just because this game isn't as cynical as "The Godfather's" art-slashing antics, doesn't mean it's any good - it's with great regret I have to say it's not. [Nov 2006, p.74]

Boss battles are explosive, brutal encounters, while some perfectly cast actors bring each character to life with genuine aplomb. If you leave your brain at the door, you just might find hours of mindless fun here.

Unless you can't get enough of the original game or you're a Star Wars fanatic who's been hankering for some new plot developments, then it simply isn't worth corrupting your hard disk with what has sadly turned out to be another promising but ultimately inadequate add-on.

While Extraction Point certainly does pick up towards the end, providing some absolutely sublime moments of action, ultimately it feels far too much like the worst bits of F.E.A.R. all over again, masquerading as something we love.